Music Can Be Murder: A Seven-Day Murder Mystery Cruise to the Mexican Riviera with A Touch of Mystery & More Entertainment Group

Two rival bands. One ship. A secret worth killing for.

Imagine stepping aboard a cruise ship bound for the Mexican Riviera. The music is playing, the cocktails are flowing, and everyone is looking forward to a spectacular 1940s big band extravaganza. There is just one problem: two rival bands have been hired to headline, and neither knows the other will be there.

There is no love lost between them. Before the week is over, someone is about to go flat.

From January 16–23, 2027, A Touch of Mystery & More Entertainment Group invites you aboard Holland America Line’s Zuiderdam for Music Can Be Murder, a seven-day musical murder mystery cruise sailing round trip from San Diego. Along the way, you’ll visit La Paz, Mazatlán, and Cabo San Lucas while a story of rivalry, secrets, and suspicious behavior unfolds around you.

The mystery comes aboard with you

This is a story you can step into. During our days at sea, you’ll meet the characters at cocktail events, watch scenes unfold, and decide who deserves your trust. Perhaps a singer seems a little too pleased about a rival’s misfortune. Perhaps a bandleader knows more than they’re willing to say. Listen closely. The smallest remark could become an important clue later.

One evening will feature full musical performances by the singers and bandleaders. There will also be a scavenger hunt for clues on a sea day, giving you another chance to follow the trail and compare theories with your fellow guests.

On the final day at sea, it all leads to a thorough investigation. You’ll join a team, question the suspects, examine their motives, and make your case. Can you figure out what happened before the truth is revealed?

Who will you be?

Part of the fun is choosing how you fit into the world of Music Can Be Murder. You might arrive as a devoted fan of one of the bands, a friend of a performer, an ex with unfinished business, or a member of the press hoping for a headline. Make up your own character and bring your favorite 1940s attire for our events if you’d like.

You can get as playful with the theme as you wish. Come ready to mingle and investigate, or simply enjoy watching the drama unfold around you. One lucky guest will even have the opportunity to play a character alongside our professional actors. What happens to that character? You’ll have to join us to find out.

A real vacation, with a mystery woven through it

The mystery events take place while the ship is at sea, leaving you time to enjoy the ports of call on your own. The Zuiderdam departs San Diego on January 16, stops at Pichilingue (La Paz), Mazatlán, and Cabo San Lucas, and returns to San Diego on January 23.

That means you can spend your port days exploring the Mexican Riviera and your time aboard enjoying the ship, the food, the music, and the company of your fellow travelers. When it’s time for a mystery event, you can step back into the story and see what the characters reveal next.

Traveling with a friend? You can compare notes over dinner. Coming with a group? Start debating suspects before the final investigation. Traveling solo? The interactive events offer plenty of opportunities to meet people, share a theory, and join the fun.

For seven days, your vacation can be as relaxing or as curious as you choose. Enjoy the destinations. Dress for the occasion. Ask one more question of the person whose story doesn’t quite add up. Then gather your team and see whether you can solve the case.

Ready to come aboard?

If music, mystery, and a Mexican Riviera getaway sound like your kind of week, we’d love to have you join us. Space in the group is limited and subject to availability.

Ask about the VIP package when you inquire. It includes a small commemorative gift and dinner with the actors, giving you another chance to spend time with the people bringing Music Can Be Murder to life.

You must book by October 18, 2026 to get the VIP Package. Visit the Music Can Be Murder cruise page to view the itinerary and submit your booking request. Be sure to mention that you’d like details about the VIP package.

Bring your curiosity. Bring your 1940s style if you like. And keep an eye on those rival bands.

We’ll see you on the high seas!